After the second trimester of pregnancy, moms-to-be should keep the maternity bag handy. You should have your hospital bag checklist ready to ensure you’re organized for the big day. Babies typically arrive between 38 and 42 weeks. Only 5% of babies are born on the doctor’s mentioned due date. So, you should be ready with your maternity bag. Wondering what to pack in your hospital bag?
What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Mom-to-be?
Important documents to carry:
- Your ID card: Government-issued ID
- Insurance policy file
- Hospital papers- All the ultrasound scans, medication files and vaccination cards from first to third trimesters.
- If you’ve discussed birth control options such as tubal ligation or LARC devices (IUD) with your partner and doctor, include the prescription from your gynaecologist in your bag. If you haven’t decided, then configure it before your due date.
Intimate Wear (Lingerie)
Carry both prenatal and postpartum bras:
- A new mom needs support for their breast. There are a lot of changes in a woman’s body including her breasts.
- Breast size tends to increase throughout pregnancy, from the first month until the due date.
- A nursing bra facilitates feeding and supporting the women’s tender breasts.
- As there is a separate bra for sports similarly a new mother needs a supporting/nursing bra to support her enlarged breast.
- A good nursing bra will support your breasts and is convenient for feeding your infant. It should be durable and breathable. We suggest checking your bra size before ordering nursing bras.
- Carry comfortable, supportive nursing bras and postpartum underwear. Nursing bras are designed to accommodate changes in breast size and facilitate feeding.
Click here to learn more about your bra size.
Comfortable Clothing
- Carry your most roomy clothes like nightgowns and robes. Also, keep your sleeper and socks.
- Compression wrap: This wrap supports the belly after the C-section. To learn more about compression wraps, ask your gynaecologist at 080 6723 8900 or book an appointment.
Personal Care Products
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Face wash and creams
- Sanitary pads
- Towels
Breastfeeding Items
- click here
- Breast pads to absorb leaking milk from breasts
- A nursing pillow to support kids for easy lactation
- Breast pump: To pump milk and feed the baby through bottles.
- Bring nursing essentials, including supportive bras, breast pads for leaks, a nursing pillow for comfort, and a breast pump for milk storage
Gadgets
- Phone and chargers
- E-reader
- Earphones
Snacks and Water
- Healthy snacks like granola bars, dry fruits or homemade laddoos.
- Reusable water bottles
What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for the Newborn?
Newborn essentials items are:
- Few comfortable pairs of clothing
- Sweater
- Swaddle and blankets
- Towel
- Diapers
- Nappies
- Wipes
- Socks and mittens
- Pillows
- Formula powder and bottles
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do I need to carry my ID card?
Yes, your and your husband’s government-issued ID cards are needed for the admission and insurance of your hospital stay. These are the most important documents to carry in your hospital bag.
- How long is the hospital stay for childbirth?
The duration differs for vaginal delivery and caesarean. Vaginal delivery will be 2-3 days and caesarean delivery will be 3-4 days. Both can vary according to the complications and health of the mother and child.
- When can I feed my baby?
As soon as you are comfortable, your infant’s paediatrician will let you feed the baby. The nurse will assist you with the feeding. The lactation doctor will explain to you about the positioning while feeding the baby.
- What should be the size of the hospital bag for pregnant women?
The hospital bag should be the size of a gym bag. Take 2-3 bags, one for the baby, one for you and one for your partner. This way it will be easy for your partner to find essentials easily.
- How can I find my nursing bra size?
Nearly half of all women are unaware of their correct bra size. Women tend to wear a brassiere of the wrong size as their cup size becomes larger. We suggest checking your bra size and then order nursing bras. Click here to learn more about your size.